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Rugged Dhome Structure Embracing Urban Interactivity in Nebraska

Authors:
Zouad Mehdi, Vancoillie Manon
Rugged Dhome Structure Embracing Urban Interactivity in Nebraska

Project in-detail

A rugged Dhome in Nebraska showcases an urban interactivity that emphasizes community engagement and a transformative approach to shared living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rugged Dhome integrates urban interactivity with a focus on community engagement.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a distinctive aesthetic.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes spatial efficiency while fostering a sense of openness.
04
Incorporates natural light through strategically positioned openings, enhancing user experience.
05
Designed to adapt to both individual and collective needs within a dense urban context.

The design explores the concept of "home" by focusing on themes of transformation, community, and personal identity. Located in a densely populated urban area, it combines the elements of space and experience. The overall design conveys that home is not just a place but an evolving space shaped by the life of the people who inhabit it.

Conceptual Framework

The project begins by framing home as something that originates from an abstract idea. It describes an “accident that started light-years ago in an extraterrestrial environment where time and space bend.” This imaginative perspective allows for a broader exploration of how space can evolve. It invites a view of life, like architecture, as constantly changing and growing.

Embodied Experience

The design captures the essence of home as “formless, raw, rugged, and dirty.” Such descriptions promote a practical approach that values real experiences over artistic pretensions. The architecture is meant to be responsive, creating an inviting space where users feel connected to their environment. This focus on authenticity can foster resilience within the community, enabling people to engage trustfully and naturally with their surrounding space.

Emotional Engagement

The work draws on literary themes, particularly referencing "the Petit Prince," to emphasize the need for emotional understanding in design. It speaks to the fractured nature of modern community living, suggesting configurations that meet both collective and personal needs. By doing so, the design aims to inspire reflections on relationships and community ties, promoting a deeper interaction among individuals in shared spaces.

Spatial Metaphors

A strong metaphor runs through the design, describing it as a "Dhome" that "scratches on Earth." This imagery conveys the idea that the structure interacts dynamically with its urban context. It suggests an architecture that captures experiences and time while serving as a gathering point for community interaction. The design strives to create a real sense of place, pulling users in and encouraging meaningful connections.

Finishes are expected to reflect ruggedness and authenticity, grounding the architecture in the environment. These design choices invite users to think more deeply about their relationships with the space, creating a dialogue that goes beyond mere physical existence and nurturing a sense of belonging.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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